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Stories that Create a Giving Culture

Stories are the best way we share our experiences and the lessons we learn in life. Families and communities pass along their traditions, beliefs, and moral values through storytelling. For centuries, stories and wisdom tales have been shared around campfires and dining room tables, out under the stars, and in temples, mosques, and cathedrals all over the world. We tell stories to explain the origins of the universe and to explain the mysteries of life and death.

Storytelling, at its best, conveys the rich diversity and texture of humanity, creating a safe and sometimes therapeutic space for challenging assumptions and fostering tolerance of differences among people. Well told stories touch our spirits, warm our hearts, and leave lasting images in our minds. Sharing our soul-filled stories is another way of expressing gratitude and demonstrating generosity.

It should be no surprise to us that storytelling is a very effective tool in nurturing generosity and teaching stewardship in our faith communities. Sacred texts around the world are a testimony to the power of the story in teaching and learning religious values. One way to promote generous behavior is to tell the stories of how giving made a difference in your life or others’ lives. For example, as part of a year-round stewardship program, you can invite people to share their stories in the context of worship, small group ministry, religious education, in digital or print form.

Here are a few ideas for you to consider as you plan your stewardship activities for the coming year:

Share stories in worship–this may be a testimony about how the congregation or faith has touched their life in positive ways, a wisdom tale for all ages to enjoy, or a guest whose organization has been the recipient of your congregation’s generosity.

Host a storytelling event–hold a potluck dinner or picnic at your facility, open to the community, and invite participants to come ready to share a story that conveys at least one value of the faith tradition.

Design a story display board–invite people to write their generosity stories down, along with their photo and perhaps some art work.

Create a video or visual story–convey your faith community’s stewardship values and generosity through the use of technology, posting video stories on YouTube, on your congregation’s website, blog or Facebook page.

Offer a story prompt–Give your constituents a theme or first line of a story, and let them create a community story. This could be a part of a small group activity, religious education class, or just a big graffiti board people can write on as they enter the building or enjoy fellowship hour.

The summertime is a great time of year for stewardship leaders to polish their storytelling skills–around the campfire while toasting marshmallows, on the riverbank while fishing, or at an informal gathering of friends. Share your story and invite others to share theirs; this is how the bonds of family and society are strengthened. This is a wonderful way to include children, youth, and elders in multi-generational community!

Here are some tips for enhancing your storytelling:

Reflect on a memorable experience from which you learned and grew as a person–
if it holds meaning for you, it can be meaningful to others.

Stick to the heart of the message you want to convey and avoid too much detail.

Lift up a unique angle or unusual perspective that will pique the listeners’ interest.

Engage as many of your listeners’ five senses as possible to bring the story alive

Be sensitive to your audience’s diversity using inclusive language so that all feel a part of it.

Use the opportunity of telling your story to connect your experience with your faith teachings and values in ways that others can relate to personally.

Tell the story without reading it whenever possible–practice, practice, practice to feel more confident, but realize storytelling does not demand perfection.

Engage your audience with movement, song, sounds, or repeated phrases that makes them part of the story.

Have fun! Your enthusiasm and enjoyment are contagious.

If you have a story or link to share, please leave a comment for the blog host with your contact info.